If you know me at all, you know that I am attached to my Blackberry. Very, very attached. It is my lifeline, my sanity… and insanity.
I am in a long distance relationship – actually several of them to be exact! I live hundreds of miles from my man, and from many of my best friends and family members. So, my Blackberry acts as our lifeline. My phone is what keeps us all together. Evening chats, so I can pretend I’m just down the street from someone. Maybe my phone has gotten too much of a work out these days!
This afternoon, I was working from home – social media monitoring – to be more specific. I was hyper-connected. I had two laptops set up (my personal and my employers’). Each laptop displayed various monitoring tools, telling me what kind of activity is happening online. And even though I had access to my work and personal emails, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, I felt disconnected!
It’s incredible how much we get used to these advanced technologies at our fingertips. I remember when I had a pager! That was a lifetime ago. So, now hours later, I’m charging the (second) Motorola Razr that my lovely friend has “donated.” If it works, at the very least, I’ll be able to place a phone call or two before I can get into Rogers!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
I ♥ food!
Can I just say delish?!
I think I've written about this resto before, but I just had dinner with my lovely friend Jess at ChuChai. Lovely, totally vegetarian, BYOW (bring your own wine) Thai place.
I forced Jess to try the Miang Kam (not sure of the exact spelling), which is the chef's special appetizer. I can't tell you exactly what it is, but it's an edible leaf, which you wrap around the little pile of toasted coconut shreds, a tiny piece of lime, a cashew and a secret sauce/jelly. Talk about an explosion of flavours!
I ordered the Vegetarian Chicken with cashews and pineapples with a side of vermicelli noodles. Yum. Jess had the Vegetarian Chicken with peanut sauce and crunchy spinach, with a side of sticky rice. Even yummier. It took forever, which isn't usually the case, but we were both stuffed. I wish I took a picture.
You should go. (If you're in Montreal).
I think I've written about this resto before, but I just had dinner with my lovely friend Jess at ChuChai. Lovely, totally vegetarian, BYOW (bring your own wine) Thai place.
I forced Jess to try the Miang Kam (not sure of the exact spelling), which is the chef's special appetizer. I can't tell you exactly what it is, but it's an edible leaf, which you wrap around the little pile of toasted coconut shreds, a tiny piece of lime, a cashew and a secret sauce/jelly. Talk about an explosion of flavours!
I ordered the Vegetarian Chicken with cashews and pineapples with a side of vermicelli noodles. Yum. Jess had the Vegetarian Chicken with peanut sauce and crunchy spinach, with a side of sticky rice. Even yummier. It took forever, which isn't usually the case, but we were both stuffed. I wish I took a picture.
You should go. (If you're in Montreal).
A little how-to... Creating the perfect outdoor sanctuary
For your home, you want nothing but the best. So, whether you love to entertain or enjoy rest and relaxation, inside and out, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than the best.
When the hot weather rolls in, it is becoming increasingly common for homeowners and apartment dwellers to outfit their outdoor spaces as they would those indoors. There are countless manufacturers that cater to helping consumers decorate their outdoor living rooms, allowing them to maximize the use of and personalize their deck or green space.
When planning the décor for your space, think of how you want the area to be used. If you’re looking to develop a lounge area on your deck or in your backyard, you’ll want to ensure your space is inviting, comfortable, and relaxing. Not only will you spend many hours enjoying it, but you’ll want your guests to enjoy it just as much.
The first step to designing the perfect space is to determine a theme. Are you drawn to a cottage-feel, with Muskoka chairs or rustic pieces, or clean, modern lines in glass and metals? Think about using neutral coloured furniture, which is designed to withstand the elements. Low seated couches and chairs, assembled in a square or circular manner, will ensure the easy flow of conversation. Coordinating coffee and side tables are often available to accompany sets of couches and chairs.
Purchasing a weather-resistant or waterproof canopy or gazebo to enclose your space will allow you entertain even when the skies open up. Within your canopy, adding low, decorative outdoor lights create a soft glow and a cozy feel.
An outdoor fireplace or water feature can also help transform your outdoor room from a plain space to a sanctuary.
In order to make your space unique, incorporate an element of exoticism by introducing a focal point or conversation piece to the space. Adding African masks or African crafts, likes the ones found on Afrikdecor.com, will give the space a personalized touch.
Surround yourself with the natural elements found in your yard, items that appeal to you, and you’ll have created the perfect outdoor living room.
When the hot weather rolls in, it is becoming increasingly common for homeowners and apartment dwellers to outfit their outdoor spaces as they would those indoors. There are countless manufacturers that cater to helping consumers decorate their outdoor living rooms, allowing them to maximize the use of and personalize their deck or green space.
When planning the décor for your space, think of how you want the area to be used. If you’re looking to develop a lounge area on your deck or in your backyard, you’ll want to ensure your space is inviting, comfortable, and relaxing. Not only will you spend many hours enjoying it, but you’ll want your guests to enjoy it just as much.
The first step to designing the perfect space is to determine a theme. Are you drawn to a cottage-feel, with Muskoka chairs or rustic pieces, or clean, modern lines in glass and metals? Think about using neutral coloured furniture, which is designed to withstand the elements. Low seated couches and chairs, assembled in a square or circular manner, will ensure the easy flow of conversation. Coordinating coffee and side tables are often available to accompany sets of couches and chairs.
Purchasing a weather-resistant or waterproof canopy or gazebo to enclose your space will allow you entertain even when the skies open up. Within your canopy, adding low, decorative outdoor lights create a soft glow and a cozy feel.
An outdoor fireplace or water feature can also help transform your outdoor room from a plain space to a sanctuary.
In order to make your space unique, incorporate an element of exoticism by introducing a focal point or conversation piece to the space. Adding African masks or African crafts, likes the ones found on Afrikdecor.com, will give the space a personalized touch.
Surround yourself with the natural elements found in your yard, items that appeal to you, and you’ll have created the perfect outdoor living room.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Im(post)or
So, it's been so long since I've written that I feel like an impostor. It's crazy how time flies, and with it being summer, between work (which is very often) and play (not often enough), I have been very easily distracted. And, surprisingly, uninspired.
To bring you up to speed… I've had visitors often, birthday sing-a-longs/jam sessions, dinners, drinks, I switched to a Quebec driver's licence, joined a developing non-profit organization (which aims to help youth receive arts education), registered myself as a business, worked, went to festivals and comedy shows, landed more freelance work and worked more, applied for real jobs, and got a real job. Which I only started two days ago and love already.
It's unreal how scatter-brained, maybe even overwhelmed, I've been in the last month or two - and only a tiny part of that had to do with work. I missed family and friends more this month than really any other since I moved. It's been that weird, kind of low feeling that makes you lazy. I want to do nothing. But instead I drown myself in work. But then, half the time I sit down to work I stare at a blank page or screen for ages until I actually get cracking. WTF?! I'm hoping that now with a full-time job, it'll help. Perhaps all I needed was a bit more security - worry and fear tend to make me do crazy things. Only time will tell.
So, tonight my roomie's away for the night. I'm staying in. Partially because last night was a gong show with friends visiting from TO and I'm exhausted, but mainly because my dinner-drinks-date cancelled… To her credit, she has a proper date with a good-looking gentleman tonight (lucky lady!), in place of our date with some burgers and poutine. Instead, I will tidy up the debaucherous mess that is my apartment, have a phone date with one of my besties in TO to catch up, and hopefully sit down at the keys to try and develop some progression of notes that resembles music. That'll be a laugh!
To bring you up to speed… I've had visitors often, birthday sing-a-longs/jam sessions, dinners, drinks, I switched to a Quebec driver's licence, joined a developing non-profit organization (which aims to help youth receive arts education), registered myself as a business, worked, went to festivals and comedy shows, landed more freelance work and worked more, applied for real jobs, and got a real job. Which I only started two days ago and love already.
It's unreal how scatter-brained, maybe even overwhelmed, I've been in the last month or two - and only a tiny part of that had to do with work. I missed family and friends more this month than really any other since I moved. It's been that weird, kind of low feeling that makes you lazy. I want to do nothing. But instead I drown myself in work. But then, half the time I sit down to work I stare at a blank page or screen for ages until I actually get cracking. WTF?! I'm hoping that now with a full-time job, it'll help. Perhaps all I needed was a bit more security - worry and fear tend to make me do crazy things. Only time will tell.
So, tonight my roomie's away for the night. I'm staying in. Partially because last night was a gong show with friends visiting from TO and I'm exhausted, but mainly because my dinner-drinks-date cancelled… To her credit, she has a proper date with a good-looking gentleman tonight (lucky lady!), in place of our date with some burgers and poutine. Instead, I will tidy up the debaucherous mess that is my apartment, have a phone date with one of my besties in TO to catch up, and hopefully sit down at the keys to try and develop some progression of notes that resembles music. That'll be a laugh!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Brutopia Brew Pub
If you're in for a night filled with art, beer and good music, Brutopia is the place to be.
With Open Mike night on Sundays, anyone is welcome to get up on stage and serenade the crowd.
Some Thursdays you'll be singing along while Pat Lesyk belts out a great variety of tunes, from the Beatles to Jack Johnson.
If it's sunny, pick a table on one of the patios. If the upstairs bar is open, wander through the gallery to check out the featured art.
Or, just order a pint of one of their eight house beers on tap, grab a seat, and see what happens...
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Playoff seats? What!?
(I know, I've been M.I.A. for ages...over two months...and I have loads to fill you in on, but I'm going to do it out of order!)
So, I have the best roommate ever. Knowing that I had never been to an NHL game in my life, he managed to score tickets to Game 6, Habs vs. Caps, and brought me to the game!!!!!!!!! ( Habs vs. Caps = Montreal Canadiens against the Washington Capitals, for those who don't follow hockey).
The evening started with a rush home to change and get some gear, a stop outside the Bell Centre at the Tailgate party where my friend Colin Moore (joined by Ryan Batistuzzi and two others) were playing for the crowds. I arrived at one end to hear AC/DC's "You Shook me All Night Long" belted out in Colin's distinct voice, leading us to the stage. After watching the band, I rushed into the HABS Zone to get myself a jersey - I needed to be fully equipped for this Playoff experience!
Our seats were in section 113, centre ice, about 18 rows up. They also just happened to be next to a few guys I used to work with! I could see everything! WAY better than you can see the games on TV! I could make out the expressions on the players' faces. I could barely hear myself think over all of the screams or the "Ovi Sucks", "Halak", or "Go Habs Go" chants. The atmosphere was electric.
The Habs had us on the edge of our seats and handed fans a glorious win. So glorious that I was in a euphoric state all night. It was an experience unlike any other; the noise, the adrenaline, the jerseys, the game, only to top it off with crowds celebrating in the streets.
I am one lucky lady to have been a part of it all.
Now, fingers are crossed for tonight's Game 7... Go Habs Go!
So, I have the best roommate ever. Knowing that I had never been to an NHL game in my life, he managed to score tickets to Game 6, Habs vs. Caps, and brought me to the game!!!!!!!!! ( Habs vs. Caps = Montreal Canadiens against the Washington Capitals, for those who don't follow hockey).
The evening started with a rush home to change and get some gear, a stop outside the Bell Centre at the Tailgate party where my friend Colin Moore (joined by Ryan Batistuzzi and two others) were playing for the crowds. I arrived at one end to hear AC/DC's "You Shook me All Night Long" belted out in Colin's distinct voice, leading us to the stage. After watching the band, I rushed into the HABS Zone to get myself a jersey - I needed to be fully equipped for this Playoff experience!
Our seats were in section 113, centre ice, about 18 rows up. They also just happened to be next to a few guys I used to work with! I could see everything! WAY better than you can see the games on TV! I could make out the expressions on the players' faces. I could barely hear myself think over all of the screams or the "Ovi Sucks", "Halak", or "Go Habs Go" chants. The atmosphere was electric.
The Habs had us on the edge of our seats and handed fans a glorious win. So glorious that I was in a euphoric state all night. It was an experience unlike any other; the noise, the adrenaline, the jerseys, the game, only to top it off with crowds celebrating in the streets.
I am one lucky lady to have been a part of it all.
Now, fingers are crossed for tonight's Game 7... Go Habs Go!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Montreal High Lights Festival
This city is marvelous. I might be a bit biased... I guess I'm technically still in the honeymoon period of my love affair with Montréal!
I guess I just find it amazing that every time I speak to someone who has lived here (usually a lot) longer than I have, they're telling me about a festival or an event that I should keep an eye out for.
This week it's the "Festival Montréal en Lumière," running from February 18 to 28. Tonight is the festival kickoff and I'll be heading down to Quai Jacques Cartier in the Old Port, to take in the festivities and be transfixed by Malajube's melodies - they play at 20h00 tonight. I'm bringing along my old roomie, her mother and sister, who are visiting from France, so it should be a good time.
The festival hosts a very wide variety of events and attractions. I'm hoping I'll find time to check out some of the free events (don't judge, I'm unemployed!). I'm aiming to visit the Leonard Cohen Artworks exhibit, The SAQ Bistro for some tasty treats (wine, roasting marshmallows and sausages), as well as the BMO Ferris Wheel and The Giant Labyrinth - I'm a sucker for some childhood fun!
I'll make sure to bring my camera and report back!
I guess I just find it amazing that every time I speak to someone who has lived here (usually a lot) longer than I have, they're telling me about a festival or an event that I should keep an eye out for.
This week it's the "Festival Montréal en Lumière," running from February 18 to 28. Tonight is the festival kickoff and I'll be heading down to Quai Jacques Cartier in the Old Port, to take in the festivities and be transfixed by Malajube's melodies - they play at 20h00 tonight. I'm bringing along my old roomie, her mother and sister, who are visiting from France, so it should be a good time.
The festival hosts a very wide variety of events and attractions. I'm hoping I'll find time to check out some of the free events (don't judge, I'm unemployed!). I'm aiming to visit the Leonard Cohen Artworks exhibit, The SAQ Bistro for some tasty treats (wine, roasting marshmallows and sausages), as well as the BMO Ferris Wheel and The Giant Labyrinth - I'm a sucker for some childhood fun!
I'll make sure to bring my camera and report back!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
A new HOME...
The last three months have been a whirlwind... If you have been reading, you'll have an idea of what I'm referring to: a job loss, two temporary apartments (with fantastic roomies), freelance work, friends, music, and three moves.
Now, I finally have a home! I have spent the last five days, packing up, moving, flying to Toronto, packing up, moving back to Montreal (with many thanks to kind friends), unpacking, going to Ikea, building Ikea furniture (something I would not have been able to complete if it weren't for my awesome roomie), and organizing.
Now, I just have to finish arranging my room, and we're only missing some stuff on the living room walls, a toaster and a microwave (which are kindly being donated to us by my roomie's cousin).
Needless to say, it's yet another late night and I am to be at the office to do my freelance work early tomorrow morning. I'm exhausted, but overjoyed that I finally have an apartment that I can call home. So, I would like to extend an endless amount of gratitude to all of the people that helped me stay sane and offered assistance and kind words.
Now I can really focus on finding a full-time job!
I'll keep y'all posted on any new adventures as they arise...
Monday, January 25, 2010
Sally and Me
The official launch of Sally Folk's album, Sally and Me, took place last week at Le National, a gorgeous theatre/concert hall in Montreal. In a vibrant display, with kiosks set up for mini manicures and makeup applications, Sally Folk and the Shoop Shoop Band showcased their talent.
The Montreal native is a self-made author, composer, and singer. Sally is a representation of the spontaneous, free-spirited self, whose goal is to unite women of all backgrounds, and break free from social norms.
The black-bobbed, red-lipped Sally is accompanied on-stage by an astonishing medley of musical genius making up the Shoop Shoop Band, which gives the performance a modernized, big-band feel.
Sally and Me will be available for download at most online stores. Copies of the physical CD will be exclusively available at live shows, where 2.00$ from each album sale will be donated to Young musicians of the world. Young musicians of the world is a non-profit organization that provides free education and training in traditional music to children in the low income category.
Keep an eye out for Sally Folk, I’m sure we’ll be seeing much more of her.
The Montreal native is a self-made author, composer, and singer. Sally is a representation of the spontaneous, free-spirited self, whose goal is to unite women of all backgrounds, and break free from social norms.
The black-bobbed, red-lipped Sally is accompanied on-stage by an astonishing medley of musical genius making up the Shoop Shoop Band, which gives the performance a modernized, big-band feel.
Sally and Me will be available for download at most online stores. Copies of the physical CD will be exclusively available at live shows, where 2.00$ from each album sale will be donated to Young musicians of the world. Young musicians of the world is a non-profit organization that provides free education and training in traditional music to children in the low income category.
Keep an eye out for Sally Folk, I’m sure we’ll be seeing much more of her.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
My Generation
I received a forwarded email from my mom last night with a link to a video. In her note, she said, "This gives me hope that your generation will get it right." I found this interesting and thought I would share.
This video, submitted to an AARP contest called "U @ 50" by a 20 year old, is powerful. Watch the video in its entirety - listening and reading throughout. The first half is distressing, the second instills hopefulness. I too, hope we can get it right.
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